The study says men and women are much heavier than they were a quarter of a century ago, with two in three Australians considered to be overweight.
“That’s a big problem because obesity leads to diabetes, some cancers and heart disease,” says Dr Rob Grenfell, National Director of Cardiovascular Health at the Heart Foundation.
More than four million Australians are considered to be obese while half a million are morbidly obese – they’re over 40 kilos overweight.
The average Australian man now weighs 85.9 kilograms – up 6.5 kilos since 1989. The average woman is 71.1 kilos – 5.7kgs above the 1989 average.
Dietician Karen Inge says people must take into account how small changes to a daily routine can affect their weight.
“Eating a little bit more, having that extra latte, not going for a walk – all these lifestyle changes and modifications make a difference to either gaining or losing weight.”
She says the key to a healthy nation is cheaper healthy food.
“This is what government needs to look at - making healthy foods more affordable. Because in the long run, prevention is better than cure.”
But when it comes to healthy food, people often don’t know what they’re looking for, says Dr Grenfell.
“At the moment, we have a whole heap of gobbledygook on packets. There’s organic, light, low salt, low fat. What does it all mean?”
Experts say a lack of exercise and knowledge about healthy eating has led to the weight increase.
